Lower a arm bushing removal/installation

[Ed M.]

I have searched the archives for information but came up empty. I have perused the shop manual about lower a arm bushing removal on my '67. I don't have the tools they suggest and I sure don't want to fabricate them. Is there an easy way to remove the bushings in your own garage? Is burning them (outdoors, of course)a tried and true method? Do the collars come out with gentle persuasion after the rubber has been burned?

Now, how about installation of the new bushings? Any hints? Thanks in advance for the input. Ed McGee

[Bryan L.]

Re: Lower a arm bushing removal/installation

Ed:

I used an air chisel with a dull bit which was about 1" wide. I had a friend stand on the a arm and I proceeded to get in behind the collar of the bushing and after a few seconds it popped right out. I was not careful in a couple of places and I nicked the outside of the arm where the collar seats. This was easily fixed with a file, and cannot be seen when the bushings are pressed back in. It took a total of less than 5 minutes to do both uppers and lowers.

To reinstall, try putting the new bushings in the freezer overnight. This makes them slightly smaller and if the holes in the arms are cleaned up good with some emery cloth, sometimes they pop right in with minimum persuasion. Otherwise, a good suspension shop can press them in easily.

Hope this helps.

bl